Modeling Injury Severity of Young Drivers Using Highway Crash Data from Kansas

Young drivers have higher motor vehicle crash rates compared to other drivers, and understanding
the reasons for this would help to improve safety. This study, therefore, investigated characteristics
and contributory causes of young-driver crashes and developed multinomial logit models to identify
severity affecting factors. It was found that teen drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes due
to failure to give time and attention and falling asleep. Among other factors, alcohol involvement,
not wearing a seat belt, driving without a valid license, having restrictions on driver’s license, and
involvement in off-roadway crashes were factors that increased young-driver injury severity. Based
on identified factors, countermeasure ideas for improving safety have also been suggested.